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I swear—your next playdate should be at South Street Seaport. On summer Sundays from 2-4pm, the See/Change stage features a kid-friendly program that miraculously (!) does not drive adults nuts. Live music and DJs (playing more than kiddie tunes) add to a mini-scene that is not crowded or lame. The astroturf area is semi-contained, so tots can move around while parents kick back in sling chairs. Plus, there is shade! And it’s free! What’s not free are the $8 sizable draft beers sold by the two-week-old Ambrose Hall, but who cares with DJ BagelBites leading the party?

“Family programming” aside, there’s a lot happening down there as the area continues to rebuild after Sandy. Pop-up shows, food trucks, an art gallery, outdoor movies and live entertainment make it a good place to while away an hour or two this summer. I might be getting old, but I like things to be easy.

This is what an urban concert looks like. There is a funky band way up there.

Do you know City Winery? It’s an intimate space that brings great performances to downtown Manhattan. While most shows are indoors, the venue throws a tiny backyard party with live acts on Tuesday nights during the summer. And it’s free. The Hudson Square Music & Wine Festival features eclectic musicians, food vendors, and of course, vino from City Winery. From 5:30-7:30pm, chill out and have a drink or two with other people from the nabe. Even the treats are pretty cheap—$3 hot dogs, $6 beers, $7 wines. But my favorite thing is that it’s not crowded (like so many other outdoor music experiences). Check out the rest of the lineup—the party happens weekly until August 28.